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Childhood delayed septic arthritis of the knee caused by Serratia fonticola

Julie Gorret1, Gorret Julie, Julie Chevalier

  • 1Pôle Microorganismes, Teaching Hospital, CHU Pontchaillou, 2 rue Henri Le Guilloux, 35033 Rennes Cedex 9, France.

The Knee
|April 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study documents the first pediatric case of Serratia fonticola septic arthritis, caused by a hawthorn thorn injury. Successful treatment required surgical intervention and a combination antibiotic regimen.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Serratia fonticola is an opportunistic pathogen.
  • Septic arthritis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Foreign body contamination can lead to joint infections.

Observation:

  • A child developed septic arthritis after a bicycle fall and hawthorn thorn injury.
  • Serratia fonticola was identified in synovial fluid samples after culture enrichment.
  • Initial DNA amplification failed for accurate diagnosis.

Findings:

  • Serratia fonticola was confirmed as the causative agent of septic arthritis.
  • Ciprofloxacin monotherapy was insufficient for infection eradication.
  • Combined treatment with cephalosporin and ciprofloxacin, alongside surgical drainage and thorn removal, led to recovery.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential pathogenicity of Serratia fonticola in pediatric cases.
  • Emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation, including foreign body removal, in complex joint infections.
  • Suggests specific antibiotic and surgical strategies for managing Serratia fonticola septic arthritis.

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